CVE-2026-112464 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.7.2 and iPadOS 26.7.2, iOS 27.2 and iPadOS 27.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, tvOS 27.2, visionOS 27.2. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to heap corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described constitutes an out-of-bounds write flaw within the processing logic of specific Apple operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS. This type of memory safety error occurs when software writes data beyond the boundaries of a allocated buffer in the heap memory space. The root cause is attributed to insufficient input validation during the parsing or handling of files processed by affected system components. When an application or system service attempts to process a file that has been maliciously crafted, it fails to adequately verify the integrity and dimensions of the data structures involved. Consequently, the write operation extends into adjacent memory regions that are not intended for this specific buffer, leading directly to heap corruption. Heap corruption is particularly dangerous because it can overwrite critical metadata used by the memory allocator or corrupt other objects residing in nearby memory locations, potentially destabilizing the entire application process and creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution if an attacker can carefully control the overwritten data.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write. This classification highlights the fundamental failure in boundary checking that allows memory to be written outside its allocated limits. In the context of modern operating systems and mobile platforms, such flaws are often exploited through complex attack chains where an attacker crafts a specific file format or payload designed to trigger this condition during normal system operations. The impact is severe because heap corruption can lead to denial of service conditions due to application crashes, but more critically, it enables privilege escalation or remote code execution if the corrupted memory contains function pointers or object references that are subsequently dereferenced by the operating system or a privileged process. This aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to exploitation for defense evasion and initial access, specifically those involving memory corruption exploits such as heap spraying or arbitrary write primitives which allow attackers to manipulate program flow.
The affected software versions indicate that this issue has been present across multiple major releases of Apple's ecosystem, spanning iOS 26.7.1 and earlier, iPadOS 26.7.1 and earlier, macOS Golden Gate 27.1 and earlier, macOS Sequoia 15.8.1 and earlier, macOS Tahoe 26.7.1 and earlier, tvOS 27.1 and earlier, and visionOS 27.1 and earlier. The resolution involves implementing improved input validation mechanisms within the file processing subsystems. These enhancements ensure that all incoming data is rigorously checked against expected bounds before any write operations are permitted. This defensive programming practice prevents the out-of-bounds access from occurring in the first place, thereby neutralizing the vulnerability at its source rather than relying solely on runtime protections like heap sanitizers which may not catch every edge case or could introduce significant performance overhead if enabled by default for all processes.
For system administrators and end-users, the primary mitigation is to apply the provided software updates immediately. Updating iOS and iPadOS to version 26.7.2 or later, as well as versions 27.2 and above, ensures that the underlying memory management routines are patched against this specific flaw. Similarly, macOS users must update to Golden Gate 27.2, Sequoia 15.8.2, or Tahoe 26.7.2 depending on their current release track. tvOS and visionOS devices should also be updated to version 27.2. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict policies regarding the handling of untrusted files, particularly those received via email, messaging applications, or downloaded from external sources. Implementing application whitelisting and restricting file execution permissions can further reduce the attack surface by limiting which processes are allowed to parse potentially dangerous file formats. Regular security audits and penetration testing focused on input validation weaknesses in custom-built applications that interact with system-level APIs can also help identify similar vulnerabilities before they are exploited in the wild.